Jerald Elnoris Kjerstad was born March 28th, 1942 in Quinn, SD, the son of Elnoris and Ila (Bean) Kjerstad. Jerry grew up on the ranch by Quinn. He graduated from Wall High School in 1960 and he received his BS in Agriculture Economics with a Business Option Degree from South Dakota State University in June of 1964. Jerry became a loan officer and Appraiser with the Federal Land Bank Association of Chadron, NE. He was with the Farm Credit Service System until December 31st, 1984. During his 20 years of Appraisal and Appraisal Review career with the Farm Credit System, he was located in Spokane, Washington, Washington D.C., and Omaha, NE.

Jerry returned to the Quinn area to manage his ranching interest and establish a real estate business in 1985. The appraisal real estate business was moved to Piedmont in 1993. Jerry is the president of Kjerstad Realty, Inc., which provides a full range of real estate appraisal, brokerage, and consulting services. Jerry approached his business like he did all aspects of his life with leadership, dignity, and respect.

Jerry was united in marriage to Margy White on January 12, 1963, in Wall, SD, and to this union were born three children: Rick, Tina, and Lisa. Jerry was a lover of life and adventure. He was always there for his children as a Boy Scout leader, baseball and softball coach, driving instructor, riding coach, and whatever else was needed. Jerry shared his love of life with his children and his grandchildren every day. He also loved his horses, hunting, fishing, and wine. Jerry's heart reached out to so many people and he gave every person he met a true gift of genuine friendship.

He was a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, South Dakota Alumni Council, South Dakota Buckaroos, Custer Trail Riders, and the US Marshal Posse.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife, Margy of Piedmont; a son, Rick Kjerstad and his wife, Gianna, of Parker, CO; a daughter, Tina Hood and her husband, Derek, of Boise, ID; a daughter, Lisa Evans and her husband, Jason, of Parker, CO; five grandchildren: Sydney, Jenni, and Jakob Kjerstad and Katie and Sean Evans; his father, Elnoris Kjerstad of Quinn; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Ila (Bean) Kjerstad on January 29, 2006; a brother, Richard "Dick" Kjerstad on June 15, 2004; and his mother-in-law, Margaret Williams on January 5, 2006.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Jerry Kjerstad Memorial Fund, c/o First Western Bank, PO Box 3133, Rapid City, SD 57709.